Leaning control scheme for a fire apparatus

ABSTRACT

A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a ladder assembly coupled to the chassis, and a stability system. The stability system includes at least one of (i) a front downrigger coupled to the chassis or (ii) a rear downrigger coupled the chassis, and an outrigger coupled to the chassis. The at least one of (i) the front downrigger or (ii) the rear downrigger and the outrigger are extendable and retractable to facilitate leaning the fire apparatus at least two degrees relative to a ground surface while maintaining full operational capability of the ladder assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/389,653, filed Apr. 19, 2019, which (a) claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/661,420, filed Apr. 23, 2018, and(b) is related to (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/389,630, filedApr. 19, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/661,382, filed Apr. 23, 2018, (ii) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/389,570, filed Apr. 19, 2019, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/661,384, filedApr. 23, 2018, (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/389,600, filedApr. 19, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/661,414, filed Apr. 23, 2018, (iv) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/389,143, filed Apr. 19, 2019, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/661,419, filedApr. 23, 2018, (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/389,176, filedApr. 19, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/661,426, filed Apr. 23, 2018, (vi) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/389,029, filed Apr. 19, 2019, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/661,335, filedApr. 23, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/829,922,filed Apr. 5, 2019, and (vii) U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/389,072, filed Apr. 19, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/661,330, filed Apr. 23, 2018, allof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Fire apparatuses may be configured as rear-mount aerial fire apparatusesor mid-mount aerial fire apparatuses. Further, such fire apparatuses maybe configured as quint configuration fire apparatuses including anaerial ladder, a water tank, a water pump, ground ladder storage, andhose storage. Typically, such fire apparatuses may also includeoutriggers and/or downriggers. However, such outriggers and downriggersare typically used for manually leveling the fire apparatuses only.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a fire apparatus. The fire apparatus includesa chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled tothe chassis, a ladder assembly coupled to the chassis, and a stabilitysystem. The stability system includes at least one of (i) a frontdownrigger coupled to the chassis or (ii) a rear downrigger coupled thechassis, and an outrigger coupled to the chassis. The at least one of(i) the front downrigger or (ii) the rear downrigger and the outriggerare extendable and retractable to facilitate leaning the fire apparatusat least two degrees relative to a ground surface while maintaining fulloperational capability of the ladder assembly.

Another embodiment relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis,a ladder assembly coupled to the chassis, and a plurality of outriggerscoupled to the chassis. The plurality of outriggers are extendable toengage a ground surface to facilitate leaning the vehicle at least twodegrees relative to the ground surface while maintaining fulloperational capability of the ladder assembly.

Still another embodiment relates to a stability system for a vehicle.The stability system includes a downrigger configured to couple to achassis of the vehicle and a pair of outriggers configured to couple tothe chassis. The downrigger is vertically extendable to engage a groundsurface. The pair of outriggers are laterally and vertically extendableto engage the ground surface. The downrigger and the pair of outriggersare configured to facilitate at least one of: (i) leaning the vehicle atleast two degrees relative to the ground surface, (ii) leaning thevehicle such that a ladder assembly of the vehicle is orientable at adepression angle or an elevation angle that is greater than thedepression angle or the elevation angle prior to being leaned, (iii)leaning the vehicle such that the ladder assembly is extendable to avertical reach that is greater than the vertical reach prior to beingleaned, (iv) leaning the vehicle such that the ladder assembly isextendable to a horizontal reach greater than the horizontal reach priorto being leaned, or (v) leaning the vehicle such that the ladderassembly can sustain a maximum tip load greater than the maximum tipload prior to being leaned.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of thedevices or processes described herein will become apparent in thedetailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left side view of a mid-mount fire apparatus, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a is a rear view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1having outriggers in an extended configuration, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1 havingoutriggers in an extended configuration, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1 relativeto a traditional mid-mount fire apparatus, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1 relativeto a traditional rear-mount fire apparatus, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a rear assembly of the mid-mountfire apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is detailed rear perspective view of the rear assembly of FIG.10, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is another rear perspective view of the rear assembly of FIG. 10without a ladder assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the rear assembly of FIG. 12, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a torque box of the mid-mount fireapparatus of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the torque box of FIG. 14, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an aerial ladder assembly and turntableof the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a pump housing of the mid-mount fire apparatusof FIG. 1 in a first configuration, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a pump system within the pumphousing of FIG. 17 in a second configuration, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the pump system of FIG. 18 with aplatform in a deployed configuration, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are opposing side views of the pump system of FIG. 18,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a detailed perspective view of an aerial assembly recess ofthe mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 23 and 24 are various perspective views of a scrub area of anaerial assembly of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1 havingan aerial assembly at a negative depression angle, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a front view of an aerial assembly of the mid-mount fireapparatus of FIG. 1 in a plurality of configurations, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a control system of the mid-mount fireapparatus of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a front downrigger assembly of themid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 29 is a front view of the front downrigger assembly of FIG. 28,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a top view of the front downrigger assembly of FIG. 28,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a perspective front view of the front downrigger assembly ofFIG. 28, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a front downrigger assembly of the ofthe mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1 in a first orientation, accordingto another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the front downrigger assembly of FIG.32 in a second orientation, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a cab of the mid-mount fire apparatusof FIG. 1 pivoted with the front downrigger assembly of FIG. 32 in thesecond orientation, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 35-37 are various views of a rear downrigger assembly of themid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 38-40 are various views of an outrigger assembly of the mid-mountfire apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a detailed schematic rear view of an outrigger housing of theoutrigger assembly of FIGS. 38-40, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a detailed view of a collar for the outrigger housing of theoutrigger assembly of FIG. 41, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1showing that the mid-mount fire apparatus is selectively leanable invarious directions, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a rear view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1 beingleaned to the left, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a rear view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1 beingleaned to the right, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a side view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1 beingleaned forward, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a side view of the mid-mount fire apparatus of FIG. 1 beingleaned to backward, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes variouscomponents that improve performance relative to traditional systems. Inone embodiment, the vehicle is a mid-mount quint configuration fireapparatus that includes a water tank, an aerial ladder, hose storage,ground ladder storage, and a water pump. The fire apparatus includes astability system including front downriggers coupled to a front end ofthe fire apparatus, rear downriggers coupled to a rear end of the fireapparatus, and outriggers coupled to the fire apparatus rearward of avertical pivot axis of the aerial ladder. In some embodiments, thestability system is controllable to automatically level the fireapparatus. In some embodiments, the stability system is selectivelycontrollable (e.g., based on an operator input, command, etc.) toimprove an operating parameter of the aerial ladder. By way of example,the stability system may be controlled to (i) effectively increase ahorizontal reach of the aerial ladder, (ii) effectively increase avertical reach of the aerial ladder, (iii) effectively increase adepression angle at which the aerial ladder is orientable relative to ahorizontal surface, (iv) effectively increase an elevation angle atwhich the aerial ladder is orientable relative to the horizontalsurface, (v) effectively decrease a distance between a distal end of theaerial ladder and the horizontal surface, and/or (vi) effectivelyincrease a tip load rating of the aerial ladder.

Overall Vehicle

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-21, a vehicle,shown as fire apparatus 10, is configured as a mid-mount quint firetruck having a tandem rear axle. A “quint” fire truck as used herein mayrefer to a fire truck that includes a water tank, an aerial ladder, hosestorage, ground ladder storage, and a water pump. In other embodiments,the fire apparatus 10 is configured as a mid-mount quint fire truckhaving a single rear axle. A tandem rear axle may include two solid axleconfigurations or may include two pairs of axles (e.g., two pairs ofhalf shafts, etc.) each having a set of constant velocity joints andcoupling two differentials to two pairs of hub assemblies. A single rearaxle chassis may include one solid axle configuration or may include onepair of axles each having a set of constant velocity joints and couplinga differential to a pair of hub assemblies, according to variousalternative embodiments. In still other embodiments, the fire apparatus10 is configured as a non-quint mid-mount fire truck having a singlerear axle or a tandem rear axle. In yet other embodiments, the fireapparatus 10 is configured as a rear-mount, quint or non-quint, singlerear axle or tandem rear axle, fire truck.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, 10-13, 17, and 18, the fire apparatus 10 includesa chassis, shown as frame 12, having longitudinal frame rails thatdefine an axis, shown as longitudinal axis 14, that extends between afirst end, shown as front end 2, and an opposing second end, shown asrear end 4, of the fire apparatus 10; a first axle, shown as front axle16, coupled to the frame 12; one or more second axles, shown as rearaxles 18, coupled to the frame 12; a first assembly, shown as frontcabin 20, coupled to and supported by the frame 12 and having a bumper,shown as front bumper 22; a prime mover, shown as engine 60, coupled toand supported by the frame 12; and a second assembly, shown as rearassembly 100, coupled to and supported by the frame 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, 10, and 12, the front axle 16 and the rear axles18 include tractive assemblies, shown as wheel and tire assemblies 30.As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the front cabin 20 is positioned forward of therear assembly 100 (e.g., with respect to a forward direction of travelfor the fire apparatus 10 along the longitudinal axis 14, etc.).According to an alternative embodiment, the cab assembly may bepositioned behind the rear assembly 100 (e.g., with respect to a forwarddirection of travel for the fire apparatus 10 along the longitudinalaxis 14, etc.). The cab assembly may be positioned behind the rearassembly 100 on, by way of example, a rear tiller fire apparatus. Insome embodiments, the fire apparatus 10 is a ladder truck with a frontportion that includes the front cabin 20 pivotally coupled to a rearportion that includes the rear assembly 100.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the engine 60 receives fuel (e.g.,gasoline, diesel, etc.) from a fuel tank and combusts the fuel togenerate mechanical energy. A transmission receives the mechanicalenergy and provides an output to a drive shaft. The rotating drive shaftis received by a differential, which conveys the rotational energy ofthe drive shaft to a final drive (e.g., the front axle 16, the rearaxles 18, the wheel and tire assemblies 30, etc.). The final drive thenpropels or moves the fire apparatus 10. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the engine 60 is a compression-ignition internal combustionengine that utilizes diesel fuel. In alternative embodiments, the engine60 is another type of prime mover (e.g., a spark-ignition engine, a fuelcell, an electric motor, etc.) that is otherwise powered (e.g., withgasoline, compressed natural gas, propane, hydrogen, electricity, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, 10-13, and 17-19, the rear assembly 100 includesa body assembly, shown as body 110, coupled to and supported by theframe 12; a fluid driver, shown as pump system 200, coupled to andsupported by the frame 12; a chassis support member, shown as torque box300, coupled to and supported by the frame 12; a fluid reservoir, shownas water tank 400, coupled to the body 110 and supported by the torquebox 300 and/or the frame 12; and an aerial assembly, shown as aerialassembly 500, pivotally coupled to the torque box 300 and supported bythe torque box 300 and/or the frame 12. In some embodiments, the rearassembly 100 does not include the water tank 400. In some embodiments,the rear assembly 100 additionally or alternatively includes an agent orfoam tank (e.g., that receives and stores a fire suppressing agent,foam, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 1,2, and 10-12, the sides of the body 110 define aplurality of compartments, shown as storage compartments 112. Thestorage compartments 112 may receive and store miscellaneous items andgear used by emergency response personnel (e.g., helmets, axes, oxygentanks, hoses, medical kits, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 5,6, and 10-12, therear end 4 of the body 110 defines a longitudinal storage compartmentthat extends along the longitudinal axis 14, shown as ground laddercompartment 114. The ground ladder compartment 114 may receive and storeone or more ground ladders. As shown in FIGS. 3,5, and 10-13, a topsurface, shown as top platform 122, of the body 110 defines a cavity,shown as hose storage platform 116, and a channel, shown as hose chute118, extending from the hose storage platform 116 to the rear end 4 ofthe body 110. The hose storage platform 116 may receive and store one ormore hoses (e.g., up to 1000 feet of 5 inch diameter hose, etc.), whichmay be pulled from the hose storage platform 116 though the hose chute118.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6 and 10-13, the rear end 4 of the body 110 hasnotched or clipped corners, shown as chamfered corners 120. In otherembodiments, the rear end 4 of the body 110 does not have notched orclipped corners (e.g., the rear end 4 of the body 110 may have squarecorners, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the chamferedcorners 120 provide for increased turning clearance relative to fireapparatuses that have non-notched or non-clipped (e.g., square, etc.)corners. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5, 6, and 10-13, the rear assembly 100includes a first selectively deployable ladder, shown as rear ladder130, coupled to each of the chamfered corners 120 of the body 110.According to an exemplary embodiment, the rear ladders 130 are hingedlycoupled to the chamfered corners 120 and repositionable between a stowedposition (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-3, 5, 12, 13, etc.) and a deployed position(see, e.g., FIGS. 6, 10, 11, etc.). The rear ladders 130 may beselectively deployed such that a user may climb the rear ladder 130 toaccess the top platform 122 of the body 110 and/or one or morecomponents of the aerial assembly 500 (e.g., a work basket, animplement, an aerial ladder assembly, the hose storage platform 116,etc.). In other embodiments, the body 110 has stairs in addition to orin place of the rear ladders 130.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 12, 17, and 18, the rear assembly 100 includes asecond selectively deployable ladder, shown as side ladder 132, coupledto a side (e.g., a left side, a right side, a driver's side, apassenger's side, etc.) of the body 110. In some embodiments, the rearassembly 100 includes two side ladders 132, one coupled to each side ofthe body 110. According to an exemplary embodiment, the side ladder 132is hingedly coupled to the body 110 and repositionable between a stowedposition (see, e.g., FIGS. 1, 2, 17, 18, etc.) and a deployed position.The side ladder 132 may be selectively deployed such that a user mayclimb the side ladder 132 to access one or more components of the aerialassembly 500 (e.g., a work platform, an aerial ladder assembly, acontrol console, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 12 and 13, the body 110 defines a recessedportion, shown as aerial assembly recess 140, positioned (i) rearward ofthe front cabin 20 and (ii) forward of the water tank 400 and/or therear axles 18. The aerial assembly recess 140 defines an aperture, shownas pedestal opening 142, rearward of the pump system 200.

According to an exemplary embodiment the water tank 400 is coupled tothe frame 12 with a superstructure (e.g., disposed along a top surfaceof the torque box 300, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 12, and 13, thewater tank 400 is positioned below the aerial ladder assembly 700 andforward of the hose storage platform 116. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 12 and13, the water tank 400 is positioned such that the water tank 400defines a rear wall of the aerial assembly recess 140. In oneembodiment, the water tank 400 stores up to 300 gallons of water. Inanother embodiment, the water tank 400 stores more than or less than 300gallons of water (e.g., 100, 200, 250, 350, 400, 500, etc. gallons). Inother embodiments, fire apparatus 10 additionally or alternativelyincludes a second reservoir that stores another firefighting agent(e.g., foam, etc.). In still other embodiments, the fire apparatus 10does not include the water tank 400 (e.g., in a non-quint configuration,etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5-7, 10, 17, and 18, the aerial assembly 500includes a turntable assembly, shown as turntable 510, pivotally coupledto the torque box 300; a platform, shown work platform 550, coupled tothe turntable 510; a console, shown as control console 600, coupled tothe turntable 510; a ladder assembly, shown as aerial ladder assembly700, having a first end (e.g., a base end, a proximal end, a pivot end,etc.), shown as proximal end 702, pivotally coupled to the turntable510, and an opposing second end (e.g., a free end, a distal end, aplatform end, an implement end, etc.), shown as distal end 704; and animplement, shown as work basket 1300, coupled to the distal end 704.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 14, and 15, the torque box 300 is coupled tothe frame 12. In one embodiment, the torque box 300 extends laterallythe full width between the lateral outsides of the frame rails of theframe 12. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the torque box 300 includes abody portion, shown as body 302, having a first end, shown as front end304, and an opposing second end, shown as rear end 306. As shown inFIGS. 12, 14, and 15, the torque box 300 includes a support, shown aspedestal 308, coupled (e.g., attached, fixed, bolted, welded, etc.) tothe front end 304 of the torque box 300. As shown in FIG. 12, thepedestal 308 extends through the pedestal opening 142 into the aerialassembly recess 140 such that the pedestal 308 is positioned (i) forwardof the water tank 400 and the rear axles 18 and (ii) rearward of pumpsystem 200, the front axle 16, and the front cabin 20.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 12, theaerial assembly 500 (e.g., the turntable 510, the work platform 550, thecontrol console 600, the aerial ladder assembly 700, the work basket1300, etc.) is rotatably coupled to the pedestal 308 such that theaerial assembly 500 is selectively repositionable into a plurality ofoperating orientations about a vertical axis, shown as vertical pivotaxis 40. As shown in FIGS. 12, 14, and 15, the torque box 300 includes apivotal connector, shown as slewing bearing 310, coupled to the pedestal308. The slewing bearing 310 is a rotational rolling-element bearingwith an inner element, shown as bearing element 312, and an outerelement, shown as driven gear 314. The bearing element 312 may becoupled to the pedestal 308 with a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts,etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a drive actuator, shown as rotationactuator 320, is coupled to the pedestal 308 (e.g., by an intermediatebracket, etc.). The rotation actuator 320 is positioned to drive (e.g.,rotate, turn, etc.) the driven gear 314 of the slewing bearing 310. Inone embodiment, the rotation actuator 320 is an electric motor (e.g., analternating current (AC) motor, a direct current motor (DC), etc.)configured to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. In otherembodiments, the rotation actuator 320 is powered by air (e.g.,pneumatic, etc.), a fluid (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, etc.),mechanically (e.g., a flywheel, etc.), or still another power source.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the rotation actuator 320 includes adriver, shown as drive pinion 322. The drive pinion 322 is mechanicallycoupled with the driven gear 314 of the slewing bearing 310. In oneembodiment, a plurality of teeth of the drive pinion 322 engage aplurality of teeth on the driven gear 314. By way of example, when therotation actuator 320 is engaged (e.g., powered, turned on, etc.), therotation actuator 320 may provide rotational energy (e.g., mechanicalenergy, etc.) to an output shaft. The drive pinion 322 may be coupled tothe output shaft such that the rotational energy of the output shaftdrives (e.g., rotates, etc.) the drive pinion 322. The rotational energyof the drive pinion 322 may be transferred to the driven gear 314 inresponse to the engaging teeth of both the drive pinion 322 and thedriven gear 314. The driven gear 314 thereby rotates about the verticalpivot axis 40, while the bearing element 312 remains in a fixed positionrelative to the driven gear 314.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 16-18, the turntable 510 includes a firstportion, shown as rotation base 512, and a second portion, shown as sidesupports 514, that extend vertically upward from opposing lateral sidesof the rotation base 512. According to an exemplary embodiment, (i) thework platform 550 is coupled to the side supports 514, (ii) the aerialladder assembly 700 is pivotally coupled to the side supports 514, (iii)the control console 600 is coupled to the rotation base 512, and (iv)the rotation base 512 is disposed within the aerial assembly recess 140and interfaces with and is coupled to the driven gear 314 of slewingbearing 310 such that (i) the aerial assembly 500 is selectivelypivotable about the vertical pivot axis 40 using the rotation actuator320, (ii) at least a portion of the work platform 550 and the aerialladder assembly 700 is positioned below the roof of the front cabin 20,and (iii) the turntable 510 is coupled rearward of the front cabin 20and between the front axle 16 and the tandem rear axles 18 (e.g., theturntable 510 is coupled to the frame 12 such that the vertical pivotaxis 40 is positioned rearward of a centerline of the front axle 16,forward of a centerline of the tandem rear axle 18, rearward of a rearedge of a tire of the front axle 16, forward of a front edge of a wheelof the front axle of the tandem rear axles 18, rearward of a front edgeof a tire of the front axle 16, forward of a rear edge of a wheel of therear axle of the tandem rear axles 18, etc.). Accordingly, loading fromthe work basket 1300, the aerial ladder assembly 700, and/or the workplatform 550 may transfer through the turntable 510 into the torque box300 and the frame 12.

As shown in FIG. 12, the rear assembly 100 includes a rotation swivel,shown as rotation swivel 316, that includes a conduit. According to anexemplary embodiment, the conduit of the rotation swivel 316 extendsupward from the pedestal 308 and into the turntable 510. The rotationswivel 316 may couple (e.g., electrically, hydraulically, fluidly, etc.)the aerial assembly 500 with other components of the fire apparatus 10.By way of example, the conduit may define a passageway for water to flowinto the aerial ladder assembly 700. Various lines may provideelectricity, hydraulic fluid, and/or water to the aerial ladder assembly700, actuators, and/or the control console 600.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the work platform 550 provides asurface upon which operators (e.g., fire fighters, rescue workers, etc.)may stand while operating the aerial assembly 500 (e.g., with thecontrol console 600, etc.). The control console 600 may be communicablycoupled to various components of the fire apparatus 10 (e.g., actuatorsof the aerial ladder assembly 700, rotation actuator 320, water turret,etc.) such that information or signals (e.g., command signals, fluidcontrols, etc.) may be exchanged from the control console 600. Theinformation or signals may relate to one or more components of the fireapparatus 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the control console600 enables an operator (e.g., a fire fighter, etc.) of the fireapparatus 10 to communicate with one or more components of the fireapparatus 10. By way of example, the control console 600 may include atleast one of an interactive display, a touchscreen device, one or morebuttons (e.g., a stop button configured to cease water flow through awater nozzle, etc.), joysticks, switches, and voice command receivers.An operator may use a joystick associated with the control console 600to trigger the actuation of the turntable 510 and/or the aerial ladderassembly 700 to a desired angular position (e.g., to the front, back, orside of fire apparatus 10, etc.). By way of another example, an operatormay engage a lever associated with the control console 600 to triggerthe extension or retraction of the aerial ladder assembly 700.

As shown in FIG. 16, the aerial ladder assembly 700 has a plurality ofnesting ladder sections that telescope with respect to one anotherincluding a first section, shown as base section 800; a second section,shown as lower middle section 900; a third ladder section, shown asmiddle section 1000; a fourth section, shown as upper middle section1100; and a fifth section, shown as fly section 1200. As shown in FIGS.16 and 17, the side supports 514 of the turntable 510 define a firstinterface, shown as ladder interface 516, and a second interface, shownas actuator interface 518. As shown in FIG. 16, the base section 800 ofthe aerial ladder assembly 700 defines first interfaces, shown as pivotinterfaces 802, and second interfaces, shown as actuator interfaces 804.As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the ladder interfaces 516 of the sidesupports 514 of the turntable 510 and the pivot interfaces 802 of thebase section 800 are positioned to align and cooperatively receive apin, shown as heel pin 520, to pivotally couple the proximal end 702 ofthe aerial ladder assembly 700 to the turntable 510. As shown in FIG.17, the aerial ladder assembly 700 includes first ladder actuators(e.g., hydraulic cylinders, etc.), shown as pivot actuators 710. Each ofthe pivot actuators 710 has a first end, shown as end 712, coupled to arespective actuator interface 518 of the side supports 514 of theturntable 510 and an opposing second end, shown as end 714, coupled to arespective actuator interface 804 of the base section 800. According toan exemplary embodiment, the pivot actuators 710 are kept in tensionsuch that retraction thereof lifts and rotates the distal end 704 of theaerial ladder assembly 700 about a lateral axis, shown as lateral pivotaxis 42, defined by the heel pin 520. In other embodiments, the pivotactuators 710 are kept in compression such that extension thereof liftsand rotates the distal end 704 of the aerial ladder assembly 700 aboutthe lateral pivot axis 42. In an alternative embodiment, the aerialladder assembly only includes one pivot actuator 710.

As shown in FIG. 16, the aerial ladder assembly 700 includes one or moresecond ladders actuators, shown as extension actuators 720. According toan exemplary embodiment, the extension actuators 720 are positioned tofacilitate selectively reconfiguring the aerial ladder assembly 700between an extended configuration and a retracted/stowed configuration(see, e.g., FIGS. 1-3, 16, etc.). In the extended configuration (e.g.,deployed position, use position, etc.), the aerial ladder assembly 700is lengthened, and the distal end 704 is extended away from the proximalend 702. In the retracted configuration (e.g., storage position,transport position, etc.), the aerial ladder assembly 700 is shortened,and the distal end 704 is withdrawn towards the proximal end 702.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 16, theaerial ladder assembly 700 has over-retracted ladder sections such thatthe proximal ends of the lower middle section 900, the middle section1000, the upper middle section 1100, and the fly section 1200 extendforward of (i) the heel pin 520 and (ii) the proximal end of the basesection 800 along the longitudinal axis 14 of the fire apparatus 10 whenthe aerial ladder assembly 700 is retracted and stowed. According to anexemplary embodiment, the distal end 704 of the aerial ladder assembly700 (e.g., the distal end of the fly section 1200, etc.) is extensibleto the horizontal reach of at least 88 feet (e.g., 93 feet, etc.) and/oror a vertical reach of at least 95 feet (e.g., 100 feet, etc.).According to an exemplary embodiment, the aerial ladder assembly 700 isoperable below grade (e.g., at a negative depression angle relative to ahorizontal, etc.) within an aerial work envelope or scrub area. In oneembodiment, the aerial ladder assembly 700 is operable in the scrub areasuch that it may pivot about the vertical pivot axis 40 up to 50 degrees(e.g., 20 degrees forward and 30 degrees rearward from a positionperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14, etc.) on each side of thebody 110 while at a negative depression angle (e.g., up to negative 15degrees, more than negative 15 degrees, up to negative 20 degrees, etc.below level, below a horizontal defined by the top platform 122 of thebody 110, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the work basket 1300 is configuredto hold at least one of fire fighters and persons being aided by thefire fighters. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 10, the work basket 1300includes a platform, shown as basket platform 1310; a support, shown asrailing 1320, extending around the periphery of the basket platform1310; and angled doors, shown as basket doors 1330, coupled to thecorners of the railing 1320 proximate the rear end 4 of the fireapparatus 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the basket doors1330 are angled to correspond with the chamfered corners 120 of the body110.

In other embodiments, the aerial assembly 500 does not include the workbasket 1300. In some embodiments, the work basket 1300 is replaced withor additionally includes a nozzle (e.g., a deluge gun, a water cannon, awater turret, etc.) or other tool. By way of example, the nozzle may beconnected to a water source (e.g., the water tank 400, an externalsource, etc.) with a conduit extending along the aerial ladder assembly700 (e.g., along the side of the aerial ladder assembly 700, beneath theaerial ladder assembly 700, in a channel provided in the aerial ladderassembly 700, etc.). By pivoting the aerial ladder assembly 700 into araised position, the nozzle may be elevated to expel water from a higherelevation to facilitate suppressing a fire.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the pump system 200 (e.g., a pumphouse, etc.) is a mid-ship pump assembly. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 12,17, and 18, the pump system 200 is positioned along the rear assembly100 behind the front cabin 20 and forward of the vertical pivot axis 40(e.g., forward of the turntable 510, the torque box 300, the pedestal308, the slewing bearing 310, the heel pin 520, a front end of the body110, etc.) such that the work platform 550 and the over-retractedportions of the aerial ladder assembly 700 overhang above the pumpsystem 200 when the aerial ladder assembly 700 is retracted and stowed.According to an exemplary embodiment, the position of the pump system200 forward of the vertical pivot axis 40 facilitates ease of installand serviceability. In other embodiments, the pump system 200 ispositioned rearward of the vertical pivot axis 40.

As shown in FIGS. 17-21, the pump system 200 includes a housing, shownas pump house 202. As shown in FIG. 17, the pump house 202 includes aselectively openable door, shown as pump door 204. As shown in FIGS.18-21, the pump system 200 includes a pumping device, shown as pumpassembly 210, disposed within the pump house 202. By way of example, thepump assembly 210 may include a pump panel having an inlet for theentrance of water from an external source (e.g., a fire hydrant, etc.),a pump, an outlet configured to engage a hose, various gauges, etc. Thepump of the pump assembly 210 may pump fluid (e.g., water, agent, etc.)through a hose to extinguish a fire (e.g., water received at an inlet ofthe pump house 202, water stored in the water tank 400, etc.). As shownin FIGS. 19-21, the pump system 200 includes a selectively deployable(e.g., foldable, pivotable, collapsible, etc.) platform, shown as pumpplatform 220, pivotally coupled to the pump house 202. As shown in FIGS.20 and 21, the pump platform 220 is in a first configuration, shown asstowed configuration 222, and as shown in FIG. 19, the pump platform 220is in a second configuration, shown as deployed configuration 224.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10-12, 14, and 15, the fire apparatus10 includes a stability system, shown as stability assembly 1400. Asshown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 7, the stability assembly 1400 includesfirst stabilizers, shown as front downriggers 1500, coupled to eachlateral side of the front bumper 22 at the front end 2 of the frontcabin 20. In other embodiments, the front downriggers 1500 are otherwisecoupled to the fire apparatus 10 (e.g., to the front end 2 of the frame12, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the front downriggers1500 are selectively deployable (e.g., extendable, etc.) downward toengage a ground surface. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4-6, 10-12, 14, and 15,the stability assembly 1400 includes second stabilizers, shown as reardownriggers 1600, coupled to each lateral side of the rear end 4 of theframe 12 and/or the rear end 306 of the torque box 300. According to anexemplary embodiment, the rear downriggers 1600 are selectivelydeployable (e.g., extendable, etc.) downward to engage a ground surface.As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, and 18, thestability assembly 1400 includes third stabilizers, shown outriggers1700, coupled to the front end 304 of the torque box 300 between thepedestal 308 and the body 302. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outriggers1700 are selectively deployable (e.g., extendable, etc.) outward fromeach of the lateral sides of the body 110 and/or downward to engage aground surface. According to an exemplary embodiment, the outriggers1700 are extendable up to a distance of eighteen feet (e.g., measuredbetween the center of a pad of a first outrigger and the center of a padof a second outrigger, etc.). In other embodiments, the outriggers 1700are extendable up to a distance of less than or greater than eighteenfeet.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the front downriggers 1500, therear downriggers 1600, and the outriggers 1700 are positioned totransfer the loading from the aerial ladder assembly 700 to the ground.For example, a load applied to the aerial ladder assembly 700 (e.g., afire fighter at the distal end 704, a wind load, etc.) may be conveyedinto to the turntable 510, through the pedestal 308 and the torque box300, to the frame 12, and into the ground through the front downriggers1500, the rear downriggers 1600, and/or the outriggers 1700. When thefront downriggers 1500, the rear downriggers 1600, and/or the outriggers1700 engage with a ground surface, portions of the fire apparatus 10(e.g., the front end 2, the rear end 4, etc.) may be elevated relativeto the ground surface. One or more of the wheel and tire assemblies 30may remain in contact with the ground surface, but may not provide anyload bearing support. While the fire apparatus 10 is being driven or notin use, the front downriggers 1500, the rear downriggers 1600, and theoutriggers 1700 may be retracted into a stored position.

According to an exemplary embodiment, with (i) the front downriggers1500, the rear downriggers 1600, and/or the outriggers 1700 extended and(ii) the aerial ladder assembly 700 fully extended (e.g., at ahorizontal reach of up to 88 feet, at a vertical reach of up to 100feet, etc.), the fire apparatus 10 withstands a rated tip load (e.g.,rated meaning that the fire apparatus 10 can, from a design-engineeringperspective, withstand a greater tip load, with an associated factor ofsafety of at least two, meets National Fire Protection Association(“NFPA”) requirements, etc.) of at least 1,000 pounds applied to thework basket 1300, in addition to the weight of the work basket 1300itself (e.g., approximately 700 pounds, etc.). In embodiments where theaerial assembly 500 does not include the work basket 1300, the fireapparatus 10 may have a rated tip load of more than 1,000 pounds (e.g.,1,250 pounds, etc.) when the aerial ladder assembly 700 is fullyextended.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the tandem rear axles 18 have agross axle weight rating of up to 48,000 pounds and the fire apparatus10 does not exceed the 48,000 pound tandem-rear axle rating. The frontaxle 16 may have a 24,000 pound axle rating. Traditionally, mid-mountfire trucks have greater than a 48,000 pound loading on the tandemrear-axles thereof. However, some state regulations prevent vehicleshaving such a high axle loading, and, therefore, the vehicles are unableto be sold and operated in such states. Advantageously, the fireapparatus 10 of the present disclosure has a gross axle weight loadingof at most 48,000 pounds on the tandem rear axles 18, and, therefore,the fire apparatus 10 may be sold and operated in any state of theUnited States.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the fire apparatus 10 has a height H.According to an exemplary embodiment, the height H of the fire apparatus10 is at most 128 inches (i.e., 10 feet, 8 inches). In otherembodiments, the fire apparatus 10 has a height greater than 128 inches.As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fire apparatus 10 has a longitudinallength L. According to an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal lengthL of the fire apparatus 10 is at most 502 inches (i.e., 41 feet, 10inches). In other embodiments, the fire apparatus 10 has a length Lgreater than 502 inches. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fire apparatus10 has a distance D₁ between the rear end 4 of the body 110 and themiddle of the tandem rear axles 18 (e.g., a body rear overhang portion,etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the distance D₁ of the fireapparatus 10 is at most 160 inches (i.e., 13 feet, 4 inches). In otherembodiments, the fire apparatus 10 has a distance D₁ greater than 160inches. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fire apparatus 10 has a distanceD₂ between the front end 2 of the front cabin 20 (excluding the frontbumper 22) and the middle of the tandem rear axles 18. According to anexemplary embodiment, the distance D₂ of the fire apparatus 10 isapproximately twice or at least twice that of the distance D₁ (e.g.,approximately 321 inches, approximately 323 inches, at least 320 inches,etc.).

As shown in FIG. 8, the longitudinal length L of the fire apparatus 10is compared to the longitudinal length L′ of a traditional mid-mountfire apparatus 10′. As shown in FIG. 8, when the front axles of the fireapparatus 10 and the fire apparatus 10′ are aligned, the fire apparatus10′ extends beyond the longitudinal length L of the fire apparatus 10 adistance Δ′. The distance Δ′ may be approximately the same as the amountof the body 110 rearward of the tandem rear axles 18 of the fireapparatus 10 such that the amount of body rearward of the tandem rearaxle of the fire apparatus 10′ is approximately double that of the fireapparatus 10. Decreasing the amount of the body 110 rearward of thetandem rear axles 18 improves drivability and maneuverability, andsubstantially reduces the amount of damage that fire departments mayinflict on public and/or private property throughout a year of operatingtheir fire trucks.

One solution to reducing the overall length of a fire truck is toconfigure the fire truck as a rear-mount fire truck with the ladderassembly overhanging the front cabin (e.g., in order to provide a ladderassembly with comparable extension capabilities, etc.). As shown in FIG.9, the longitudinal length L of the fire apparatus 10 is compared to thelongitudinal length L′ of a traditional rear-mount fire apparatus 10″.As shown in FIG. 9, when the front axles of the fire apparatus 10 andthe fire apparatus 10″ are aligned, the ladder assembly of the fireapparatus 10″ extends beyond the longitudinal length L of the fireapparatus 10 a distance Δ″ such that the ladder assembly overhangs pastthe front cabin. Overhanging the ladder assembly reduces drivervisibility, as well as rear-mount fire trucks do not provide as muchfreedom when arriving at a scene on where and how to position the truck,which typically requires the truck to be reversed into position toprovide the desired amount of reach (e.g., which wastes valuable time,etc.). Further, the height H″ of the fire apparatus 10″ is required tobe higher than the height H of the fire apparatus 10 (e.g., byapproximately one foot, etc.) so that the ladder assembly of the fireapparatus 10″ can clear the front cabin thereof.

Aerial Configuration

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the over-retracted portions of the aerial ladderassembly 700 (e.g., the proximal ends of the lower middle section 900,the middle section 1000, the upper middle section 1100, the fly section1200, etc.) extend forward of (i.e., past) (i) the lateral pivot axis 42defined by the heel pin 520 and (ii) the proximal end of the basesection 800 (i.e., the portion of the base section 800 that is coupledto the heel pin 520) along the longitudinal axis 14 of the fireapparatus 10 when the aerial ladder assembly 700 is retracted and stowed(e.g., such that at least one of the lower middle section 900, themiddle section 1000, the upper middle section 1100, the fly section1200, etc. spans across the lateral pivot axis 42 when the aerial ladderassembly 700 is retracted and stowed). Such over-retraction disposes theover-retracted portions of the aerial ladder assembly 700 to extend overthe pump house 202 adjacent (i.e., rearward of) a rearmost wall of thefront cabin 20. In other embodiments, at least a portion of theover-retracted portions of the aerial ladder assembly 700 extend pastand forward of the rearmost wall of the front cabin 20 (e.g., in anembodiment where the rearmost cab wall is angled, notched, etc.). Asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least a portion of the plurality of nestingladders sections (e.g., at least a base rail of the base section 800,the lower middle section 900, the middle section 1000, the upper middlesection 1100, the fly section 1200, etc.) of the aerial ladder assembly700 is positioned below the top (i.e., roof) of the front cabin 20(e.g., when the aerial ladder assembly 700 is not pivoted/raised aboutthe lateral pivot axis 42, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 22-25, (i) the body 110 of the rear assembly 100within the aerial assembly recess 140 is shaped, (ii) the pump house 202adjacent the aerial assembly recess 140 is shaped, (iii) the water tank400 adjacent the aerial assembly recess 140 is shaped, and/or (iv) theoutriggers 1700 extend at negative depression angle γ from the body 110to facilitate a substantial aerial work envelope of the aerial ladderassembly 700, shown as scrub area 730. Such component configurationsfacilitate operation of the aerial ladder assembly 700 at a negativedepression angle below grade (e.g., below horizontal, etc.) of up to anangle θ. According to an exemplary embodiment, the angle θ isapproximately negative fifteen degrees. In other embodiments, the angleθ is greater than fifteen degrees (e.g., eighteen, twenty, etc. degrees)or less than fifteen degrees (e.g., ten, twelve, fourteen, etc.degrees). In some embodiments, the angle θ is at least greater thaneight degrees.

As shown in FIG. 22, the body 110 of the rear assembly 100 includesfirst angled portions, shown as angled body panels 144, extending at anegative, downward angle within the aerial assembly recess 140. The pumphouse 202 of the pump system 200 includes second angled portions, shownas angled pump house panels 206, extending at a negative, downward anglewithin the aerial assembly recess 140. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, thewater tank 400 has a wall, shown as frontmost wall 402, adjacent theaerial assembly recess 140. The frontmost wall 402 includes a pair ofthird angled portions, shown as angled wall portions 406, extending froma wall portion perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14, shown asperpendicular wall portion 404, at a rearward angle (e.g., towards therear end 4 of the fire apparatus 10, etc.). According to an exemplaryembodiment, the angle γ of the outriggers 1700 is approximately in therange of negative eight to negative twelve degrees relative to ahorizontal axis. In other embodiments, the angle γ is greater thantwelve degrees (e.g., fifteen degrees, etc.) or less than eight degrees(e.g., five degrees, zero degrees, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the angled body panels 144 of thebody 110, the angled pump house panels 206 of the pump house 202, theangled wall portions 406 of the water tank 400, and/or the angle γ ofthe outriggers 1700 facilitate operating the aerial ladder assemblywithin the scrub area 730 up to the angle θ. As shown in FIGS. 23 and24, the aerial ladder assembly 700 is operable within the scrub area 730below grade (e.g., at any angle below zero degrees up to angle θ, etc.)about the vertical pivot axis 40 up to (i) an angle α forward of theaerial ladder assembly 700 being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis14 and (ii) an angle β rearward of the aerial ladder assembly 700 beingperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the angle α is approximately twenty degrees. In otherembodiments, the angle α is greater than twenty degrees (e.g.,twenty-two, twenty-five, thirty, etc. degrees) or less than twentydegrees (e.g., ten, fifteen, eighteen, etc. degrees). According to anexemplary embodiment, the angle β is approximately thirty degrees. Inother embodiments, the angle β is greater than thirty degrees (e.g.,thirty-two, thirty-five, etc. degrees) or less than thirty degrees(e.g., fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, etc. degrees). The scrub area 730may therefore have a total sweep angle (e.g., the aggregate of the angleα and the angle β, etc.) of approximately fifty degrees. In otherembodiments, the sweep angle of the scrub area 730 is at least more thanfifteen degrees. In still other embodiments, the sweep angle of thescrub area 730 is at least more than thirty degrees.

As shown in FIG. 25, the aerial ladder assembly 700 is oriented toextend perpendicularly from the body 110 of the rear assembly 100 (e.g.,the aerial ladder assembly 700 is perpendicular relative to thelongitudinal axis 14, etc.) and is positioned below grade at the angle θ(e.g., negative fifteen degrees, etc.). When configured in such aposition, the aerial ladder assembly 700 extends from the side of thebody 110 a distance D₃, and the basket platform 1310 of the work basket1300 is positioned at a height h above a ground surface while none ofthe plurality of nesting ladder sections (e.g., the lower middle section900, the middle section 1000, the upper middle section 1100, the flysection 1200, etc.) are extended (e.g., the lower middle section 900,the middle section 1000, the upper middle section 1100, and the flysection 1200 are over-retracted relative to the base section 800 and theheel pin 520, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, being able tooperate at the angle θ and the over-retracting configuration of theplurality of nesting ladder sections of the aerial ladder assembly 700facilitate accessing the work basket 1300 from the ground surfacewithout requiring the extension of the aerial ladder assembly 700. Theheight h of the basket platform 1310 is at most 20.3 inches, accordingto an exemplary embodiment (e.g., meeting the maximum step height limitas set by NFPA regulations, without requiring extension of the aerialladder assembly 700, etc.). In some embodiments, the height h is lessthan 20.3 inches (e.g., in embodiments where the stability assembly 1400of the fire apparatus 10 has a leaning capability, etc.). According toan exemplary embodiment, the distance D₃ is approximately 19.5 feet. Inother embodiments, the distance D₃ is greater than 19.5 feet (e.g., 20feet, 22 feet, in embodiments with a longer aerial ladder assembly 700,etc.) or less than 19.5 feet (e.g., 19 feet, 18.5 feet, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 26, the aerial ladder assembly 700 is pivotable aboutthe lateral pivot axis 42 to reposition the aerial ladder assembly 700at a plurality of different positions including a horizontal position,shown as horizontal set-back configuration 740, a below grade position,shown as blitz configuration 742, and a plurality of above gradepositions, shown as raised configurations 744. As shown in FIG. 26, whenthe aerial ladder assembly 700 is arranged in the horizontal set-backconfiguration 740 and the longitudinal axis 14 of the fire apparatus 10is positioned parallel or substantially parallel with a fire scene(e.g., a house, a building, an apartment, etc.), the aerial ladderassembly 700 extends from the side of the body 110 a set-back distanceD₄. According to an exemplary embodiment, the set-back distance D₄ isapproximately twenty feet. In other embodiments, the set-back distanceD₄ is greater than twenty feet (e.g., twenty-seven feet, in anembodiment where the aerial ladder assembly 700 includes a side-mountede-trac versus a rung-mounted e-trac, etc.) or less than twenty feet(e.g., in embodiments where the fire apparatus 10 includes a shorteraerial ladder assembly 700, in embodiments where the aerial ladderassembly 700 does not include the work basket 1300, etc.; fifteen,sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, etc. feet).

As shown in FIG. 26, when the aerial ladder assembly 700 is arranged inthe blitz configuration 742, the aerial ladder assembly 700 is orientedat a negative depression angle (e.g., up to the angle θ, etc.) such thatthe work basket 1300 is positioned substantially close to the groundsurface and adjacent the fire scene (e.g., the first level of abuilding, a store front, etc.). In the blitz configuration 742, the workbasket 1300 may be extended from the rear assembly 100 by pivoting theaerial ladder assembly 700 about the vertical pivot axis 40 toward thefire scene and then pivoting aerial ladder assembly 700 about thelateral pivot axis 42 such that the work basket 1300 clears anyobstacles 750 (e.g., cars, etc.) positioned in front of the fire scene.A turret, shown as water turret 1340, that is coupled to the work basket1300 may be manipulated (e.g., using a user input device of the fireapparatus 10, the control console 600, etc.) to expel water or anotherfire surprising agent from the water tank 400 or other source (e.g., afire hydrant, an agent tank, etc.) into the first level of the firescene upward at the ceiling thereof to expel a fire therein (e.g., toprevent a fire from spreading to the upper levels of the building,etc.). In other embodiments, the water turret 1340 is otherwisepositioned (e.g., coupled to the distal end of the fly section 1200, inembodiments where the aerial ladder assembly 700 does not include thework basket 1300, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 26, when the aerial ladder assembly 700 is arranged inthe raised configurations 744, the aerial ladder assembly 700 isoriented at a positive angle such that the work basket 1300 ispositioned above the fire apparatus 10. To extend further in thevertical direction, the plurality of nesting sections of the aerialladder assembly 700 may begin to be extended. In order to un-bed theaerial ladder assembly 700 (e.g., pivot the aerial ladder assembly 700upward, etc.), the over-retracted portions of the aerial ladder assembly700 may need to be extended past the heel pin 520. Such may require thatthe fire apparatus 10 be set back a distance slightly further than theset-back distance D₄ (e.g., twenty-four feet, etc.).

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 27, a controlsystem, shown as fire apparatus control system 2000, for the fireapparatus 10 includes a controller 2010. In one embodiment, thecontroller 2010 is configured to selectively engage, selectivelydisengage, control, and/or otherwise communicate with components of thefire apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 27, the controller 2010 is coupledto the rotation actuator 320, the pivot actuator(s) 710, the extensionactuator(s) 720, the water turret 1340, basket actuator(s) 1350positioned to manipulate the work basket 1300 (e.g., a rotationactuator, a pivot actuator, a lift actuator, an extension actuator,etc.) relative to the distal end of the fly section 1200 of the aerialladder assembly 700, the stability assembly 1400 (e.g., a sensor system1410, the front downriggers 1500, the rear downriggers 1600, theoutriggers 1700, etc.), and a user input/output (“I/O”) device 2020. Inother embodiments, the controller 2010 is coupled to more or fewercomponents. By way of example, the controller 2010 may send and/orreceive signals with the rotation actuator 320, the pivot actuator(s)710, the extension actuator(s) 720, the water turret 1340, the basketactuator(s) 1350, the stability assembly 1400, and/or the user I/Odevice 2020, and/or individual components thereof.

The controller 2010 may be implemented as a general-purpose processor,an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital-signal-processor (DSP),circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry forsupporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or othersuitable electronic processing components. According to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 27, the controller 2010 includes a processingcircuit 2012 and a memory 2014. The processing circuit 2012 may includean ASIC, one or more FPGAs, a DSP, circuits containing one or moreprocessing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, agroup of processing components, or other suitable electronic processingcomponents. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 2012 isconfigured to execute computer code stored in the memory 2014 tofacilitate the activities described herein. The memory 2014 may be anyvolatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium capable ofstoring data or computer code relating to the activities describedherein. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory 2014 includescomputer code modules (e.g., executable code, object code, source code,script code, machine code, etc.) configured for execution by theprocessing circuit 2012. In some embodiments, controller 2010 representsa collection of processing devices (e.g., servers, data centers, etc.).In such cases, the processing circuit 2012 represents the collectiveprocessors of the devices, and the memory 2014 represents the collectivestorage devices of the devices.

In one embodiment, the user I/O device 2020 includes a display and anoperator input. The display may be configured to display a graphicaluser interface, an image, an icon, and/or still other information. Inone embodiment, the display includes a graphical user interfaceconfigured to provide general information about the fire apparatus 10(e.g., vehicle speed, fuel level, warning lights, battery level, etc.).The graphical user interface may also be configured to display a currentposition of the aerial ladder assembly 700, a current position of thework basket 1300, a current position of the turntable 510, anorientation of the fire apparatus 10 (e.g., an angle relative to aground surface, etc.), a current configuration and/or positions ofcomponents of the stability assembly 1400, and/or still otherinformation relating to the fire apparatus 10, the aerial assembly 500,and/or the stability assembly 1400. The user I/O device 2020 may be orinclude the control console 600, a user interface within the front cabin20, a user interface in the work basket 1300, a user interface on theside of the body 110, and/or a portable device wirelessly connected tothe controller 2010 (e.g., a mobile device, a smartphone, a tablet,etc.).

The operator input may be used by an operator to provide commands to atleast one of the rotation actuator 320, the pivot actuator(s) 710, theextension actuator(s) 720, the water turret 1340, and the basketactuator(s) 1350. The operator input may include one or more buttons,knobs, touchscreens, switches, levers, joysticks, pedals, a steeringwheel, or handles. The operator input may facilitate manual control ofsome or all aspects of the operation of the fire apparatus 10. It shouldbe understood that any type of display or input controls may beimplemented with the systems and methods described herein.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 2010 is configuredto limit activation of the pivot actuators 710 while the proximal endsof the plurality of nesting ladder sections of the aerial ladderassembly 700 are over-retracted beyond the heel pin 520. By way ofexample, the controller 2010 may be configured to automatically extendthe plurality of nesting ladder sections forward until the proximal endsof each extends along the base section 800 beyond the heel pin 520(e.g., in response to a lift command while the ladder sections areover-retracted), and then begin pivoting the aerial ladder assemblyabout the lateral pivot axis 42 and/or continue extending the pluralityof nesting ladder sections (e.g., if an extension command is beingprovided by an operator using the user I/O device 2020, to limit orprevent the risk of the over-retracted portions from pivoting into thework platform 550, etc.).

Stability Assembly

According to an exemplary embodiment, the front downriggers 1500, therear downriggers 1600, and the outriggers 1700 of the stability assembly1400 are configured to assist in providing the horizontal and verticalreach capabilities of the aerial ladder assembly 700 and facilitateleveling the fire apparatus 10 when on uneven ground.

As shown in FIGS. 28-31, the front downriggers 1500 include a firstdownrigger, shown as first front downrigger 1510, and a seconddownrigger, shown second front downrigger 1520. In an alternativeembodiment, the front downriggers 1500 are replaced with a single frontstability foot or the fire apparatus 10 does not include the frontdownriggers 1500. As shown in FIGS. 28-31, each of the first frontdownrigger 1510 and the second front downrigger 1520 includes a firstactuator assembly, shown as front actuator assembly 1530. According toan exemplary embodiment, the front actuator assemblies 1530 are orinclude hydraulic actuators. In other embodiments, the front actuatorassemblies 1530 are or include pneumatic actuators, electric actuators,and/or mechanically-driven actuators. As shown in FIGS. 28,29, and 31,each of the front actuator assemblies 1530 includes a front extensionactuator having a first portion, shown as cylinder housing 1532, and asecond portion, shown as rod 1534, with a plate, shown as foot plate1536, coupled to an end of the rod 1534. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the rods 1534 are selectively extendable from the cylinderhousings 1532 such that the foot plates 1536 and/or ground pads coupledthereto engage a ground surface.

As shown in FIGS. 28-32, the front bumper 22 has a first lateral end,shown as left end 24, and an opposing second lateral end, shown as rightend 26. As shown in FIGS. 28,29, and 31, the front bumper 22 include acoupler, shown as bracket 28, coupled to each of the left end 24 and theright end 26 of the front bumper 22. A first bracket 28 couples thefirst front downrigger 1510 to the left end 24 of the front bumper 22and a second bracket 28 couples the second front downrigger 1520 to theright end 26 of the front bumper 22.

As shown in FIGS. 32-34, the front downriggers 1500 are pivotallycoupled to the frame 12 of the fire apparatus 10. Specifically, thefirst front downrigger 1510 is pivotally coupled to a first frame rail13 of the frame 12 and the second front downrigger is pivotally coupledto a second frame rail 15 of the frame 12. As shown in FIGS. 32-34, thefirst frame rail 13 has a plate, shown as coupling plate 32, coupled tothe front end 2 thereof. A housing, shown as bracket housing 34, iscoupled to the coupling plate 32. A bracket, shown as pivotal bracket36, is received by and pivotally coupled to the bracket housing 34. Thepivotal bracket 36 is coupled to the front actuator assembly 1530 of thefirst front downrigger 1510 such that the first front downrigger 1510 isselectively pivotable therewith between an extension orientation (see,e.g., FIG. 32) and a pivoted orientation (see, e.g., FIGS. 33 and 34).An actuator, shown as pivoting actuator 1540, is positioned tofacilitate selectively actuating the first front downrigger 1510 betweenthe extension orientation and the pivoted orientation (e.g.,automatically, etc.). In other embodiments, the first front downrigger1510 is manually pivotable between the extension orientation and thepivoted orientation. According to an exemplary embodiment, the secondfront downrigger 1520 is similarly coupled to and pivotable relative tothe second frame rail 15.

As shown in FIG. 34, the front cabin 20 is pivotable about the front end2 of the frame 12 when the front downriggers 1500 are pivoted into thepivoted orientation. According to an exemplary embodiment, the firstfront downrigger 1510 and the second front downrigger 1520 areconfigured to automatically pivot into the pivoted orientation when thefront cabin 20 is pivoted upward about the front end 2 of the frame 12(e.g., such that the front downriggers 1500 do not impede the lifting ofthe front cabin 20, etc.). By way of example, the pivoting actuators1540 positioned to pivot the front downriggers 1500 and an actuator thatis positioned to pivot the front cabin 20 may be linked (e.g.,hydraulically coupled, fluidly coupled, etc.) such that activation ofone activates the other or both are driven by a common source. By way ofanother example, the controller 2010 may be configured to limit orprevent pivoting of the front cabin 20 until the pivoting actuators 1540have been engaged to pivot the front downriggers 1500 into the pivotedorientation.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the pivoting capability of thefront downriggers 1500 facilitates raising the front downriggers 1500higher up the front the front cabin 20 relative to a ground surface(e.g., compared to the arrangement in FIGS. 28-31 coupled to the frontbumper 22, etc.), effectively increasing the ground clearance of thefire apparatus 10 and thereby the angle of inclines that the fireapparatus 10 may traverse (e.g., increasing drivability,maneuverability, etc. of the fire apparatus 10).

As shown in FIGS. 35-37, the rear downriggers 1600 include a thirddownrigger, shown as first rear downrigger 1610, and a fourthdownrigger, shown second rear downrigger 1620. In an alternativeembodiment, the rear downriggers 1600 are replaced with a single rearstability foot. As shown in FIGS. 35-37, each of the first reardownrigger 1610 and the second rear downrigger 1620 includes a secondactuator assembly, shown as rear actuator assembly 1630. Each of therear actuator assemblies 1630 includes a housing, shown as rear actuatorreceiver 1632, defining an internal cavity that receives an actuator,shown as rear extension actuator 1634. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the rear extension actuators 1634 are or include hydraulicactuators. In other embodiments, the rear extension actuators 1634 areor include pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, and/ormechanically-driven actuators. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, each of therear actuator assemblies 1630 includes a foot, shown as rear foot 1636,coupled to an end of the rear extension actuator 1634 and a pad, shownas rear ground pad 1638, coupled to the rear foot 1636. According to anexemplary embodiment, the rear extension actuators 1634 are selectivelyextendable from the rear actuator receivers 1632 such that the rearground pads 1638 engage a ground surface.

As shown in FIGS. 35-37, each of the rear actuator assemblies 1630includes a bracket, shown as rear bracket 1640, extending laterally fromeach of the rear actuator receivers 1632. The rear brackets 1640 areconfigured to couple the first rear downrigger 1610 and the second reardownrigger 1620, respectively, to opposing lateral sides of a support,shown as rear downrigger support 1602, coupled the rear end 4 of theframe 12, beneath the body 302 of the torque box 300, and forward of therear end 306 of the torque box 300. The rear downrigger support 1602 istherefore configured to secure the rear downriggers 1600 to the frame12, rearward of the rear axles 18.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 38-42, the outrigger assembly of the outriggers1700 includes a housing, shown as outrigger housing 1702; a pair offirst actuator assemblies, shown as lateral actuator assemblies 1740,having components thereof slidably coupled within and selectivelylaterally extendable from the outrigger housing 1702 and the body 110;and a pair of second actuator assemblies, shown as vertical actuatorassemblies 1750, coupled to distal ends of lateral actuator assemblies1740. As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the outrigger housing 1702 is coupledthe frame 12, rearward of the vertical pivot axis 40 defined by thepedestal 308 (e.g., not forward of the turntable 510, etc.). As shown inFIG. 39, at least a portion of the outrigger housing 1702 (e.g., a fronttube thereof, etc.) extends at least partially through the pedestal 308(e.g., a rear portion thereof, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 38-42, the outrigger housing 1702 includes a firsttube, shown as first track 1710, and a second tube, shown as secondtrack 1720. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 38-42,the first track 1710 is positioned longitudinally forward of the secondtrack 1720. In other embodiments, the first track 1710 is positionedlongitudinally rearward of the second track 1720. As shown in FIG. 41,the first track 1710 has a first end, shown as left end 1712, and anopposing second end, shown as right end 1714. The first track 1710defines a first internal cavity, shown as first internal slot 1716, anda first lateral axis, shown as first lateral extension axis 1718. Thesecond track 1720 has a first end, shown as right end 1722, and anopposing second end, shown as left end 1724. The second track 1720defines a second internal cavity, shown as second internal slot 1726,and a second lateral axis, shown as second lateral extension axis 1728.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first track 1710 and thesecond track 1720 extend laterally across the body 110 of the fireapparatus 10. As shown in FIGS. 40-42, the left end 1712 of the firsttrack 1710 is elevated relative the right end 1714 of the first track1710 such that the first lateral extension axis 1718 of the first track1710 is oriented with a negative slope (e.g., when viewed from the rear,etc.) having the angle γ (e.g., five to fifteen degrees below ahorizontal, eight to twelve degree below a horizontal, etc.). The rightend 1722 of the second track 1720 is elevated relative the left end 1724of the second track 1720 such that the second lateral extension axis1728 of the second track 1720 is oriented with a positive slope (e.g.,when viewed from the rear, etc.) having the angle γ.

As shown in FIGS. 40-42, the outrigger housing 1702 includes a firstconnector, shown as first collar 1730, and a second connector, shown assecond collar 1732. The first collar 1730 is positioned to secure theleft end 1724 of the second track 1720 to the left end 1712 of the firsttrack 1710 that is elevated relative to the second track 1720 (i.e.,because of the opposite slopes thereof). The second collar 1732 ispositioned to secure the right end 1714 of the first track 1710 to theright end 1722 of the second track 1720 that is elevated relative to thefirst track 1710 (i.e., because of the opposite slopes thereof). Asshown in FIG. 42, the first collar 1730 and the second collar 1732 havea z-shaped structure with a first vertical leg, shown as upper leg 1734;a horizontal leg, shown as connector 1736, extending horizontally from alower end of the upper leg 1734; and a second vertical leg, shown aslower leg 1738, extending vertically downward from an end of theconnector 1736 opposite the upper leg 1734. The upper leg 1734 of thefirst collar 1730 is configured to be secured (e.g., fastened, welded,etc.) to a sidewall of the first track 1710, the connector 1736 of thefirst collar 1730 is configured to be secured to a top surface of thesecond track 1720, and the lower leg 1738 of the first collar 1730 isconfigured to be secured to a sidewall of the second track 1720. Theupper leg 1734 of the second collar 1732 is configured to be secured toa sidewall of the second track 1720, the connector 1736 of the secondcollar 1732 is configured to be secured to a top surface of the firsttrack 1710, and the lower leg 1738 of the second collar 1732 isconfigured to be secured to a sidewall of the first track 1710.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 38-40, each of the lateral actuator assemblies1740 includes an arm, shown as telescoping arm 1742, and an actuator,shown as lateral extension actuator 1744. One of the telescoping arms1742 is slidably received within the first internal slot 1716 of thefirst track 1710 and the other of the telescoping arms 1742 is slidablyreceived within the second internal slot 1726 of the second track 1720.The lateral extension actuators 1744 are positioned to facilitateselectively extending the telescoping arms 1742 from the first track1710 and the second track 1720 along the first lateral extension axis1718 and the second lateral extension axis 1728, respectively, at theangle γ. According to an exemplary embodiment, the lateral extensionactuators 1744 are or include hydraulic actuators. In other embodiments,the lateral extension actuators 1744 are or include pneumatic actuators,electric actuators, and/or mechanically-driven actuators. According toan exemplary embodiment, the angle γ at which the telescoping arms 1742extend from the first track 1710 and the second track 1720 facilitatespivoting the aerial ladder assembly 700 continuously to a side of thefire apparatus 10 at the maximum depression angle θ without requiringthe aerial ladder assembly 700 to be lifted over the telescoping arms1742 as the aerial ladder assembly 700 passes thereover.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 38-40, each of the vertical actuator assemblies1750 includes a housing, shown as vertical actuator receiver 1752,coupled to a distal end of one of the telescoping arms 1742 and definesan internal cavity that receives an actuator, shown as verticalextension actuator 1754. According to an exemplary embodiment, thevertical extension actuators 1754 are or include hydraulic actuators. Inother embodiments, the vertical extension actuators 1754 are or includepneumatic actuators, electric actuators, and/or mechanically-drivenactuators. As shown in FIGS. 38-40, each of the vertical actuatorassemblies 1750 includes a foot, shown as outrigger foot 1756, coupledto an end of each of the vertical extension actuators 1754. According toan exemplary embodiment, the vertical extension actuators 1754 areselectively extendable from the vertical actuator receivers 1752 suchthat the outrigger feet 1756 and/or ground pads coupled thereto engage aground surface.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the front actuatorassemblies 1530 (i.e., the front extension actuators thereof), each ofthe rear extension actuators 1634, each of the lateral extensionactuators 1744, and/or each of the vertical extension actuators 1754 areindependently controllable (e.g., by the controller 2010, etc.) to levelthe fire apparatus 10 (e.g., during use of the aerial ladder assembly700, etc.). The front actuator assemblies 1530, the rear extensionactuators 1634, the lateral extension actuators 1744, and/or thevertical extension actuators 1754 may be actively controllable (e.g., bythe controller 2010, etc.) as the aerial ladder assembly 700 is pivotedabout the vertical pivot axis 40, as the aerial ladder assembly 700 ispivoted about the lateral pivot axis 42, and/or as the plurality ofnesting ladder sections of the aerial ladder assembly 700 are extendedor retracted to maintain stability of the fire apparatus 10. If ascenario were to arise where the aerial ladder assembly 700 is movedinto a position that approaches a limit of the aerial ladder assembly700 and/or the fire apparatus 10, the controller 2010 may (i) limit orprevent further extension and/or pivoting of the aerial ladder assembly700, (ii) retract the plurality of nesting ladder sections, and/or (iii)dynamically adjust the front downriggers 1500, the rear downriggers1600, and/or the outriggers 1700 to increase the current capability ofthe aerial ladder assembly 700 and/or the fire apparatus 10.

Set-Up and Leaning Control

According to an exemplary embodiment, the stability assembly 1400 andthe controller 2010 are configured to provide automatic set-up controland/or leaning control for the fire apparatus 10. The controller 2010may provide the automatic set-up control and/or the leaning controlbased on various pre-stored parameters and/or characteristics regardingthe fire apparatus 10 and/or various current operating parameters of thefire apparatus 10 (e.g., of the stability assembly 1400, of the aerialladder assembly 700, etc.) received from the sensor system 1410.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 2010 is configuredto receive and store various parameters and/or characteristics of thefire apparatus 10. By way of example, the parameters and/orcharacteristics of the fire apparatus 10 may include informationregarding the type of vehicle the fire apparatus 10 is (e.g., a tandemrear axle fire apparatus, a single rear axle fire apparatus, a mid-mountfire apparatus, a rear-mount fire apparatus, etc.), wheelbase, axletrack, weight, longitudinal length, lateral width, center of gravity,center of mass, performance characteristics of the stability assembly1400 (e.g., a maximum lateral extension distance, a maximum verticalextension distance, etc. of the outriggers 1700, the front downriggers1500, the rear downriggers 1600; the number and/or placement of theoutriggers 1700, the front downriggers 1500, the rear downriggers 1600;etc.), performance characteristics of the aerial ladder assembly 700(e.g., rated tip load, maximum horizontal reach, maximum vertical reach,etc.), and/or still other parameters and/or characteristics of the fireapparatus 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 2010is configured to use the pre-stored parameters and/or characteristics ofthe fire apparatus 10 to determine the operational capability of thefire apparatus 10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 2010 isadditionally or alternatively configured to receive and store variousoperational thresholds and/or operational ranges for the fire apparatus10. The operational thresholds and/or operational ranges for the fireapparatus 10 may define the operational capability of and the ability tostabilize the fire apparatus 10 while on uneven ground and/or while theaerial ladder assembly 700 is in use. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the operational thresholds and/or operational ranges for avehicle vary based on vehicle type, vehicle model, etc. (e.g., theoperational thresholds and/or operational ranges are vehicle specific,etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment, the operational thresholdsand/or the operational ranges may be defined based on the grade and/orthe slope of the fire apparatus 10 prior to set-up and ladder use.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor system 1410 includesvarious sensors that are configured (e.g., designed, positioned, etc.)to facilitate monitoring one or more current operating parameters of thefire apparatus 10 and the various systems thereof (e.g., the aerialladder assembly 700, the stability assembly 1400, etc.). The one or morecurrent operating parameters may include a current amount the fireapparatus 10 is leaning (e.g., intentionally in response to a leaningcommand, unintentionally based on an unlevel ground surface, etc.), acurrent load on the aerial ladder assembly 700 (e.g., at a distal endthereof, etc.), a current position of the aerial ladder assembly 700(e.g., positioned to the front, back, side, about the vertical pivotaxis 40, etc.), a current angle of the aerial ladder assembly 700 (e.g.,at a depression angle, horizontal, at an elevation angle, about thelateral pivot axis 42, etc.), a current horizontal reach of the aerialladder assembly 700, a current vertical reach of the aerial ladderassembly 700, a current position of the front downriggers 1500 (e.g., anamount of vertical extension relative to a nominal or fully-retractedposition, etc.), a current position of the rear downriggers 1600 (e.g.,an amount of vertical extension relative to a nominal or fully-retractedposition, etc.), and/or a current position of the outriggers 1700 (e.g.,an amount of lateral extension relative to a nominal or fully-retractedposition, an amount of vertical extension relative to a nominal orfully-retracted position, etc.).

By way of example, the sensor system 1410 may include sensors (e.g.,position sensors, potentiometers, etc.) positioned to facilitatemonitoring the current position (e.g., amount of vertical extension,vertical retraction, lateral extension, lateral retraction, etc.) of thefront downriggers 1500, the rear downriggers 1600, and/or the outriggers1700. By way of another, the sensor system 1410 may include sensors(e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, level sensors, grade sensors, slopesensors, etc.) positioned to facilitate monitoring the slope and/orgrade of the fire apparatus 10 to determine the orientation of the fireapparatus 10 relative to level and/or the current amount the fireapparatus 10 is leaning. By way of still another example, the sensorsystem 1410 may include sensors (e.g., position sensors, potentiometers,load sensors, strain gauges, angle sensors, rotary sensors, etc.)positioned to facilitate monitoring the current load on the aerialladder assembly 700, the current position of the aerial ladder assembly700, the current angle of the aerial ladder assembly 700, the currenthorizontal reach of the aerial ladder assembly 700, and/or the currentvertical reach of the aerial ladder assembly 700.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 2010 is configuredto control the stability assembly 1400 to automatically level the fireapparatus 10 relative to an uneven ground surface in response toreceiving an auto-level command or set-up command (e.g., from theoperator through the user I/O device 2020, etc.). By way of example, thecontroller 2010 may be configured to receive stability data includinggrade data regarding the grade of the fire apparatus 10 (e.g., theamount the fire apparatus 10 is leaning laterally from right to left,etc.) and/or slope data regarding the slope of the fire apparatus 10(e.g., the amount the fire apparatus 10 is leaning longitudinally fromfront to back, etc.). The controller 2010 may be configured to comparethe stability data to the operational thresholds and operational rangesfor the fire apparatus 10 to determine whether the stability assembly1400 may be activated in such a way that the fire apparatus 10 isreconfigurable to facilitate (i) full, unrestricted operation or (ii) atleast partially limited or partially restricted operation of the fireapparatus 10. Such a determination may take into account the pre-storedparameters and/or characteristics of the fire apparatus 10. Thecontroller 2010 may thereby be configured to make the determinationregarding the operational capability of the fire apparatus 10 based on(i) the stability data, (ii) the operational thresholds and operationalranges for the fire apparatus 10, and/or (iii) the parameters and/orcharacteristics of the fire apparatus 10. The controller 2010 may makethe determination using a look-up table, an algorithm, a model, and/orstill another suitable method. Further information regarding the set-updetermination capability of the controller 2010 may be found in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/880,241, filed Jan. 25, 2018, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 2010 is configuredto implement the auto-leveling process in response to (i) receiving theauto-level command or set-up command and/or (ii) determining that set-upof the fire apparatus 10 in the current location is permissible foroperation of the aerial ladder assembly 700 (e.g., the fire apparatus 10is reconfigurable to facilitate full, unrestricted operation of theaerial ladder assembly 700; the fire apparatus 10 is reconfigurable tofacilitate at least partially limited or partially restricted operationof the fire apparatus 10; etc.). The outriggers 1700 may first bemanually or automatically activated to contact the ground surface beforethe auto-leveling process begins (e.g., the outrigger feet 1756 justtouch the ground surface and don't lift the fire apparatus 10, etc.). Inone embodiment, the controller 2010 is configured to laterally level thefire apparatus 10 first and then longitudinally level the fire apparatus10. By way of example, the controller 2010 may be configured to activatethe outriggers 1700 based on the grade data such that the fire apparatus10 is leveled laterally (e.g., from left to right, etc.). The controller2010 may then be configured to activate one of the front downriggers1500 and the rear downriggers 1600 based on the slope data. For example,if the fire apparatus 10 is leaning forward, the controller 2010 may beconfigured to activate the front downriggers 1500 to level the fireapparatus 10 longitudinally (e.g., front to back, etc.). As anotherexample, if the fire apparatus 10 is leaning backward, the controller2010 may be configured to activate the rear downriggers 1600 to levelthe fire apparatus 10 longitudinally (e.g., front to back, etc.). Oncethe fire apparatus 10 is leveled longitudinally, the controller 2010 maybe configured to activate the other of the front downriggers 1500 andthe rear downriggers 1600 such that they engage the ground surface(e.g., the other of the front downriggers 1500 and the rear downriggers1600 may not lift the respective end of the fire apparatus 10, but takeany loading off of the wheel and tire assemblies 30, etc.). After thefire apparatus 10 has been leveled, the operator may manually lean orthe controller 2010 may automatically lean the fire apparatus 10 toeffectively improve an operating parameter or operating capability ofthe aerial ladder assembly 700 as needed (e.g., within the operationalthresholds and operational ranges for the fire apparatus 10, etc.)relative to if the fire apparatus 10 were not leanable or remainedlevel.

As shown in FIGS. 43-47, the stability assembly 1400 (e.g., the frontdownriggers 1500, the rear downriggers 1600, the outriggers 1700, etc.)is configured to facilitate leaning the fire apparatus 10 relative to asurface (e.g., a horizontal surface, a ground surface, etc.) in variousdirections (e.g., front, back, left, right, diagonally at an angle,etc.; based on an operator input using a joystick of the user I/O device2020, etc.) when entered into a lean or tilt mode. As shown in FIGS. 44and 45, the stability assembly 1400 is configured to facilitate leaningthe fire apparatus 10 laterally (e.g., left, right, about thelongitudinal axis 14, etc.) up to an angle ψ relative to a horizontalsurface (e.g., while still maintaining full operational capability ofthe aerial ladder assembly 700, unrestricted operation, etc.). As shownin FIGS. 46 and 47, the stability assembly 1400 is configured tofacilitate leaning the fire apparatus 10 longitudinally (e.g., forwardsuch that the rear end 4 is elevated relative to the front end 2,backward such that the front end 2 is elevated relative to the rear end4, etc.) up to an angle ϕ relative to a horizontal surface (e.g., whilestill maintaining full operational capability of the aerial ladderassembly 700, unrestricted operation, etc.). In one embodiment, theangle ψ and/or the angle ϕ are at least two degrees. In anotherembodiment, the angle ψ and/or the angle ϕ are at least three degrees.In still another embodiment, the angle ψ and/or the angle ϕ are at leastfive degrees. In some embodiments, the angle ψ and the angle ϕ are thesame. In some embodiments, the angle ψ and the angle ϕ are different.While only lateral and longitudinal leaning are shown in FIGS. 44-47, itshould be understood that the fire apparatus 10 may be leaned in anydirection (e.g., forward, backward, left, right, diagonally in anydirection, etc.) and/or up to similar angles as the angle ψ and theangle ϕ (e.g., while still maintaining full operational capability ofthe aerial ladder assembly 700, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 2010 is configuredto control extension and retraction of each of the front downriggers1500, each of the rear downriggers 1600, and/or each of the outriggers1700 of the stability assembly 1400 during the lean or tilt mode to leanthe fire apparatus 10 and effectively improve an operating parameter oroperating capability of the aerial ladder assembly 700 (e.g., relativeto if the fire apparatus 10 were on a horizontal surface and notleaning, relative to if the fire apparatus 10 were completely level,etc.). By way of example, the controller 2010 may be configured tocontrol the stability assembly 1400 to lean the fire apparatus 10 to (i)effectively increase the horizontal reach of the aerial ladder assembly700, (ii) effectively increase the vertical reach of the aerial ladderassembly 700, (iii) effectively increase the depression angle at whichthe aerial ladder assembly 700 is orientable, (iv) effectively increasean elevation angle at which the aerial ladder assembly 700 isorientable, (v) effectively decrease a distance between a distal end ofthe aerial ladder assembly 700 and a reference surface, and/or (vi)effectively increase a tip load rating of the aerial ladder assembly700.

By way of example, the stability assembly 1400 may be configured tofacilitate leaning the fire apparatus 10 such that the distal endthereof or the basket platform 1310 of the work basket 1300 ispositionable closer to a ground surface while the plurality of nestingladder sections of the aerial ladder assembly 700 are over-retracted.Specifically, referring back to FIG. 25, when the aerial ladder assembly700 is oriented at the maximum depression angle θ (e.g., fifteendegrees, etc.), the basket platform 1310 may be the height h above theground surface (i.e., a horizontal ground surface). However, with theleaning functionality of the stability assembly 1400, the angle θ can beeffectively increased by the angle ψ. By effectively increasing themaximum depression angle of the aerial ladder assembly 700, the height hof the basket platform 1310 may be effectively reduced (e.g., less than20.3 inches, etc.).

The same may be true for the maximum elevation angle of the aerialladder assembly 700. Specifically, the maximum elevation angle of theaerial ladder assembly 700 may be effectively increased by leaning thefire apparatus 10 and based on the current position of the aerial ladderassembly 700 about the vertical pivot axis 40. By way of example, if theaerial ladder assembly 700 is at its maximum elevation angle and pivotedto a side of the fire apparatus 10, and then the fire apparatus 10 isleaned by the angle ψ, the elevation angle of the aerial ladder assembly700 will effectively increase in response to the leaning (e.g., greaterthan the non-leaning maximum elevation angle, the aerial ladder assembly700 is oriented more vertically when leaned and at the maximum elevationangle thereof, etc.). Effectively increasing the maximum elevation angleof the aerial ladder assembly 700 may also thereby effectively increasethe maximum vertical reach of the fire apparatus 10 (e.g., greater thanthe non-leaning maximum vertical reach, greater than 100 feet, theaerial ladder assembly 700 becomes more vertical than before theleaning, etc.).

By way of another example, the stability assembly 1400 may be configuredto facilitate leaning the fire apparatus 10 such that the maximumhorizontal reach of the aerial ladder assembly 700 is effectivelyincreased (e.g., greater than the non-leaning maximum horizontal reach,greater than 88 feet, etc.). For example, if the aerial ladder assembly700 is oriented forward of the front cabin 20 and the fire apparatus 10is leaned by the angle ϕ forward, the aerial ladder assembly 700 willeffectively reach further, as well as lower off the front end 2 of thefire apparatus 10. As another example, if the aerial ladder assembly 700is oriented rearward of the body 110 and the fire apparatus 10 is leanedby the angle ϕ rearward, the aerial ladder assembly 700 will effectivelyreach further, as well as lower off the rear end 4 of the fire apparatus10. As still another example, example, if the aerial ladder assembly 700is oriented to a side of fire apparatus 10 and the fire apparatus 10 isleaned left or right by the angle ψ, the aerial ladder assembly 700 willeffectively reach further, as well as lower off the side of the fireapparatus 10.

By way of another example, the stability assembly 1400 may be configuredto facilitate leaning the fire apparatus 10 such that the tip loadrating of the aerial ladder assembly 700 is effectively increased (e.g.,greater than the non-leaning tip load rating, etc.). For example, if theaerial ladder assembly 700 is oriented rearward of the body 110 and thefire apparatus 10 is leaned forward by the angle ϕ, the capability ofthe aerial ladder assembly 700 to support weight at the distal endthereof is effectively increased because of the forward tilt of the fireapparatus 10 (e.g., a greater portion of the weight on the end of theaerial ladder assembly 700 is directed along the longitudinal axis ofthe aerial ladder assembly 700 than prior to the forward tilt, therebyreducing the component of the weight perpendicular to the aerial ladderassembly 700 that would otherwise contribute to tipping, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 2010 is configuredto automatically derate operational capability of the aerial ladderassembly 700 (e.g., vertical reach, horizontal reach, a first angle ofthe aerial ladder assembly 700 about the vertical pivot axis 40, asecond angle of the aerial ladder assembly 700 about the lateral pivotaxis 42, operation of the aerial ladder assembly 700 is at leastpartially limited or partially restricted, etc.) in response to thestability assembly 1400 leaning the fire apparatus 10 more than athreshold amount (e.g., more than five degrees in one direction;determined by the controller 2010 based on the current load conditions,current lean angle, operational thresholds/ranges, etc.). By way ofexample, the controller 2010 may limit or prevent the aerial ladderassembly 700 from extending beyond a certain reach, begin retracting theaerial ladder assembly 700, or lean the fire apparatus 10 back in theopposite direction in response to determining that the current loadingconditions and the current lean angle indicate that certain operationalthresholds are being met such that derated operation or releveling isneeded to maintain stability.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited inthe appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, asused herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicatethat such embodiments are possible examples, representations, orillustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intendedto connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary orsuperlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g.,removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled toeach other using a separate intervening member and any additionalintermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two memberscoupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If“coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term(e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” providedabove is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term(e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without anyseparate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition thanthe generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may bemechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and notin its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements,the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that anelement may be either X; Y; Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z(i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive languageis not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each bepresent, unless otherwise indicated.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of variouselements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation ofvarious elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

The hardware and data processing components used to implement thevarious processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks,modules and circuits described in connection with the embodimentsdisclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purposesingle- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A generalpurpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processoralso may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particularprocesses and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific toa given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device)may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard diskstorage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing orfacilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in thepresent disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory ornon-volatile memory, and may include database components, object codecomponents, script components, or any other type of informationstructure for supporting the various activities and informationstructures described in the present disclosure. According to anexemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to theprocessor via a processing circuit and includes computer code forexecuting (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one ormore processes described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, orother optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinationsof the above are also included within the scope of machine-readablemedia. Machine-executable instructions include, for example,instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform acertain function or group of functions.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order ofmethod steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depictedand described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unlessspecified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, onthe software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. Allsuch variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations of the described methods could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thefire apparatus 10 and the systems and components thereof as shown in thevarious exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, anyelement disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized withany other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of anelement from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized inanother embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciatedthat other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated orutilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fire apparatus comprising: a chassis; afront axle coupled to the chassis; a rear axle coupled to the chassis; aladder assembly coupled to the chassis; and a stability systemincluding: at least one of (i) a front downrigger coupled to the chassisor (ii) a rear downrigger coupled the chassis; and an outrigger coupledto the chassis; wherein (a) the at least one of (i) the front downriggeror (ii) the rear downrigger and (b) the outrigger are extendable andretractable to facilitate leaning the fire apparatus at least twodegrees relative to a ground surface while maintaining full operationalcapability of the ladder assembly.
 2. The fire apparatus of claim 1,wherein the stability system facilitates leaning the fire apparatus atleast two degrees relative to the ground surface in more than onedirection while maintaining full operational capability of the ladderassembly.
 3. The fire apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stability systemfacilitates leaning the fire apparatus at least three degrees relativeto the ground surface while maintaining full operational capability ofthe ladder assembly.
 4. The fire apparatus of claim 1, wherein thestability system facilitates leaning the fire apparatus at least fivedegrees relative to the ground surface while maintaining fulloperational capability of the ladder assembly.
 5. The fire apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a control system configured to control thestability system to automatically level the fire apparatus relative tothe ground surface in response to receiving an auto-level command. 6.The fire apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control systemconfigured to automatically derate operational capability of the ladderassembly in response to the stability system leaning the fire apparatusmore than a threshold amount, wherein the operational capabilityincludes at least one of a horizontal reach of the ladder assembly, avertical reach of the ladder assembly, a first angle at which the ladderassembly is pivoted about a vertical pivot axis, or a second angle atwhich the ladder assembly is pivoted about a lateral pivot axis.
 7. Thefire apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a basket coupled to adistal end of the ladder assembly, the basket including a platform,wherein the platform is positionable less than or equal to 20.3 inchesabove the ground surface while at least one of (i) the ladder assemblyis fully-retracted or (ii) the fire apparatus is leaned.
 8. The fireapparatus of claim 1, wherein the stability system facilitates leaningthe fire apparatus such that the ladder assembly is orientable at adepression angle or an elevation angle that is greater than thedepression angle or the elevation angle prior to being leaned.
 9. Thefire apparatus of claim 8, wherein the stability system facilitatesleaning the fire apparatus such that the depression angle of the ladderassembly is greater than 15 degrees.
 10. The fire apparatus of claim 1,wherein the stability system facilitates leaning the fire apparatus suchthat the ladder assembly is extendable to a vertical reach that isgreater than the vertical reach prior to being leaned.
 11. The fireapparatus of claim 10, wherein the stability system facilitates leaningthe fire apparatus such that the ladder assembly is extendable to thevertical reach of greater than 100 feet.
 12. The fire apparatus of claim1, wherein the stability system facilitates leaning the fire apparatussuch that the ladder assembly is extendable to a horizontal reachgreater than the horizontal reach prior to being leaned.
 13. The fireapparatus of claim 12, wherein the stability system facilitates leaningthe fire apparatus such that the ladder assembly is extendable to thehorizontal reach of greater than 88 feet.
 14. The fire apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the stability system facilitates leaning the fireapparatus such that the ladder assembly can sustain a maximum tip loadgreater than the maximum tip load prior to being leaned.
 15. The fireapparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) the ladder assembly iscoupled to the chassis at a position between the front axle and the rearaxle or (ii) the rear axle is a tandem rear axle.
 16. The fire apparatusof claim 1, wherein the stability system includes the front downriggerand the rear downrigger.
 17. A vehicle comprising: a chassis; a ladderassembly coupled to the chassis; and a plurality of outriggers coupledto the chassis, the plurality of outriggers extendable to engage aground surface to facilitate leaning the vehicle at least two degreesrelative to the ground surface while maintaining full operationalcapability of the ladder assembly.
 18. The vehicle of claim 17, whereinthe plurality of outriggers are extendable to engage the ground surfaceto facilitate leaning the vehicle at least five degrees relative to theground surface while maintaining full operational capability of theladder assembly.
 19. The vehicle of claim 17, further comprising adownrigger coupled to the chassis, the downrigger vertically extendableto engage the ground surface, wherein the downrigger and the pluralityof outriggers are configured to facilitate at least one of: (ii) leaningthe vehicle such that the ladder assembly is orientable at a depressionangle or an elevation angle that is greater than the depression angle orthe elevation angle prior to being leaned; (iii) leaning the vehiclesuch that the ladder assembly is extendable to a vertical reach that isgreater than the vertical reach prior to being leaned; (iv) leaning thevehicle such that the ladder assembly is extendable to a horizontalreach greater than the horizontal reach prior to being leaned; or (v)leaning the vehicle such that the ladder assembly can sustain a maximumtip load greater than the maximum tip load prior to being leaned. 20.The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the downrigger includes at least one of(i) a pair of rear downriggers coupled to a rear end of the chassis or(ii) a pair of front downriggers coupled to a front end of the chassisof the vehicle.